Had a 4200 and driven the Vantage.
Driving experience was totally different. Felt the 4.3 was lacking torque and compared to the Maser the controls were very heavy. Power was there but you had to use the revs. Soon got used to it. Felt the Vantage was wrapped around me and I was wearing the car. In dark interiors you might find it a bit claustrophobic. Vantage felt far more substantial and solid compared to the Maser. Real leather, alloy, wood etc. Looks wise I think the Vantage is just right from every angle. I dont care what someone else thinks about the looks. It is your car and your opinion is the one that counts. Lost count of number of people that asked me if the 4200 was a Jag. Disagree exhaust is poor. Pull fuse 22 (30 second job) and valves are open all the time and I dont think there is much in it compared to a non modified Maser. Yes, like the Maser, you can remove cats etc if you want more volume. Seem to recall Clarkson waxing lyrical about Vantage exhaust note.
As Hashluck says the newer the better and the 4.7 is probably worth stretching to if you can. 4.3 is still a great car but I preferred the post 2007 seats in the 4.3
Choice of manual or Sportshift. Coming from the CC 4200 I wanted a good old fashioned manual but you should try both and see what you think.
One major difference is selling the car when you decide to change. When I was buying my car dealer had an 06 84k Vantage in at £38k. Sold it almost immediately and could have sold it 6 times over. They will buy into stock any car, any mileage as long as it has been serviced.
I visited 2 dealers and both were superb to deal with. No pressure but couldn't do enough to help. If you are buying from a main dealer the 12 month warranty with the car is second to none.
I dont think you would regret scratching your itch.
Interesting about better made. That wasn't my feeling. Feedback I got from other owners, specialists and dealers was reliability was very good. I am 5'10" and didnt find the Vantage lacking headroom and in fact your article in the mag mentions up to 6'2". I felt every Aston I sat in felt special but then again I felt the same about a Maserati. Agree pre 2007 dash is not that inspiring but later cars are a lot better.The Vantage's manual box is a big draw. I'd still take the GranSport - rear seats, better made, feels special, can fit people taller than Frankie Dettori. A certain magazine has a comparison in the issue on sale at the moment
Interesting about better made. That wasn't my feeling. Feedback I got from other owners, specialists and dealers was reliability was very good. I am 5'10" and didnt find the Vantage lacking headroom and in fact your article in the mag mentions up to 6'2". I felt every Aston I sat in felt special but then again I felt the same about a Maserati. Agree pre 2007 dash is not that inspiring but later cars are a lot better.
If you need rear seats the GS is a no brainer but in my 2 years of ownership I think someone was in the rear twice so that wasnt a factor for me. Both are great cars and OP has a GS already.
Must say, thread drift alert!, I was very impressed with your magazine. Used to subscribe to other mags but gave up as they seemed to be either looking at high end exotica or rusty Vivas. Nice balance and informed writing. Will buy again.
Clutch reminded me of my 70's 911. Very heavy but again got used to it.Agree with most of what you say, but I loved the small cabin minus the sat nav!
It's definitely a car which you need to drive a lot to get the most out of it, my girlfriend hated driving it due to the clutch and handbrake..
I sold mine for more than I paid but I did modify it, that may change now with the new v8 vantage being released?
I was being a little tongue in cheek with the Aston, I’m six foot seven and I didn’t so much drive the Aston as wear it.
The very quandary I'm having? Have an Aston itch, but a Maser ache??
I had a V8 Vantage as an everyday car, 30,000 miles including adventures around europe!
Never missed a beat, expensive to run (as is every supercar), fun to drive.. standard car needs modifying in my opinion. I fitted 21" DBS wheels, lowering springs, clear rear lights (newer v8's have them standard) & Larini 200 cell cats
Do it!!!
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Dave, I can help you with these crippling issues. You can buy my GTS, and I'll buy a Vantage. I promise to send photos and a detailed assessment of why you are so much happier with the Maser.
Bamford Rose will take an Aston V8 to the brink of 500hp and with a voice like thunder.
And they'll take a V12 up by 70hp, if you ask nicely.